News

The University of Botswana (UB) through the Department of Professional Education and Development (DPED is delivering a Rapid Skills Training Programme for eight (8) selected Botswana Defence Force (BDF) candidate officers over a two-month period ahead of their military training scheduled to take place later this year at the prestigious West Point Military Academy located in New York, United States of America (USA).

Before departing for the US for intensive military training in leadership, research and modern military technology, the BDF officers will first undergo several weeks of academic and intellectual preparation by UB professors, made possible through the standing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions.

Delivering welcome remarks at the commencement of the training programme on the 9th of September 2026 at the UB Council Chamber, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor Teaching and Learning, Professor Maria Nnyepi, said the MoU between UB and BDF was the most effective of the many that the institution had.

Professor Nnyepi stated that the programme was a result of what both organisations had put together during their interactions. She noted that the programme was special for Batswana as it was a skills training endeavour which sought to empower the next generation of leaders.

Officially opening the programme, Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris, acknowledged the cordial relationship that existed between the two institutions indicating that the BDF was a High-Performing Organisation (HPO) which UB should emulate. Professor Norris stated that the BDF’s capabilities and credibility had made it a trustworthy organisation many could take a leaf from including UB which was currently transitioning into an HPO.

“The BDF is an organisation that espouses excellence,” said Professor Norris, adding that it was an honour for UB to associate with one such entity that displays professionalism.

The Vice Chancellor noted that given the training that UB offered, he was confident that the candidate officers would be fully equipped once they settled at the West Point Military Academy.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the BDF Commander General Mpho Churchill Mophuting, the Director of Human Resource Management, Brigadier Jenamiso Mountain, expressed delight over the realisation of the much-needed training programme. Further, Brigadier Mountain highlighted that as BDF they were eager to increase young officers’ intake hence this training.

He added that the programme would produce capable young officers able to take on leadership roles within the army hierarchy in future.

“BDF requires leaders who can think critically, conduct research and make sound decisions under pressure,” noted Brigadier Mountain.

Additionally, he disclosed that the BDF valued its relationship with UB and looked forward to strengthening it.

It is against this backdrop that the programme reflects the University's commitment to supporting national institutions through the provision of relevant, responsive and demand-driven professional education and skills development. With the human capital development programme now officially underway, it is expected to provide practical preparation that candidates can immediately apply during their studies and subsequently throughout their professional careers.

The training will also demonstrate UB’s capacity to respond rapidly to emerging skills and human capital development needs of national organisations.